On the last day of New York Fashion Week for the 2017 spring season, a new group show made its debut.

These were the Journey Fashion Festival shows at Mercedes Club on Thursday September 18th. Journey was envisioned as a new platform for international design to gain further recognition in the US market. Five unique brands comprised of the Uwi Twins, Cristalle, Hightower, Makány Márta and Este & Chlo showed their latest designs at the impressive outdoor/indoor venue located at 550 west 54th st. on this auspicious date.

A trio of Latin dancers started off the shows performing to the theme of James Bond. The runway was choreographed unlike any other show this past season with the models crossing and walking in counter concentric circles on the extensive above-ground patio. It was a lyrical dance of gowns with over 60 models walking the runway of 3 levels.

This season’s show included gorgeous gowns from well-respected brand Este & Chlo by creator of the brand Henry Picado, former head designer for Bob Mackie. Edgy design from talented but lesser-known brand Hightower was featured as well. An eclectic Hungarian flair was displayed on barefoot models during the Makány Márta show for the grand finale.

In between the different runway shows guests were treated to performances by dancers from the off-Broadway hit Stomp.

Journey is the vision of model and entrepreneur Malena Belafonte. The aim is to give high profile international designers the spotlight in the competitive NYC market during fashion week.

Creator of Journey, Malena Belafonte, modeling a political gown by Este & Chlo.

This past festival served as an incubator for a larger show coming this February. Look for more to come.